The major growth of the cannabis industry over the past decade has certainly been hard for some to keep up with, especially when it comes to formal education. All of a sudden, we’ve seen more and more colleges and universities begin to offer different degrees in cannabis in recent years. Earlier in 2021, NBA star Chris Webber and rapper Berner created Cookies U, a 3-month program in California. Now they’re back at it with the help of others to offer a cannabis minor degree program at Medgar Evers College (MEC) in Brooklyn, New York City.
This program is made possible by Berner’s Cookies, Webber Wild Impact Fund, Columbia Care, Cannabis Advisory Group, Gotham Gives, Women Grow, and of course, Medgar Evers College. The cannabis minor degree program at MEC also comes at a crucial time., as it coincides with the recent legalization of adult-use cannabis in New York State. There is hope that this program will soon be able to serve as a resource for policy-makers.
Medgar Evers College marks the first CUNY (City University of New York) campus to offer cannabis education. However, any student across any CUNY campus is able to take these courses.
MEC’s cannabis minor and forthcoming adult education program will feature the skill-building instructional support needed to foster new cannabis leaders in the areas of testing, cultivation, business, and health.
Medgar Evers College in a press release about new cannabis program
Image of Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn via Paul Martinka
The New Cannabis Program at Medgar Evers College Comes at a Crucial Time
There is no doubt that the cannabis industry is rapidly growing, despite it being relatively new compared to other industries. And there is also no doubt that this industry is trickier than most. From rules and regulations, to the growing process, to even social media and marketing, the cannabis industry is not the easiest to navigate.
Despite any formal education, many have persisted, but with numerous obstacles and bumps in the road. Both the industry, the government, and eventually consumers reap benefits from cannabis education programs like this,. These educated individuals coming together with cannabis pioneers is what will truly drive the change we want to see and need in this industry.
Berner of Cookies and Medgar Evers College Share Their Excitement
Education will play a critical role in driving social equity within the cannabis industry. As the fastest growing industry in the U.S., it is full of opportunity, and a skilled workforce was needed yesterday. It’s a shame that universities have shied away from teaching the skills necessary for success. We are so proud of MEC for being a leader in this effort. We hope their bravery and hard work will blaze a trail for other institutions to follow. The work MEC is doing is very aligned with Cookies U, and we hope to partner with them on this meaningful initiative.
Berner, co-founder and CEO of Cookies
Dr. Patricia Ramsey, the president of Medgar Evers College, explains her enthusiasm for this program, “As a botanist, I’m particularly pleased to see that the institution that I’ve been selected to lead is on the cutting edge of providing educational opportunities to learn about the many beneficial uses of plants such as cannabis and to provide the training necessary for our students to be able to compete for burgeoning opportunities in this new industry. Education is a key step in raising awareness of the non-recreational benefits of plants such as cannabis.”
She continues, “Oftentimes, communities of color are the last to benefit from emerging economic opportunities. The science faculty and the business faculty collaborated in developing the minor in cannabis education; thus, exposing the students to the science, health, technical and business aspects of this new industry.”
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